A Swedish energy group is in talks to invest in one of the region’s largest ports – with the potential to create hundreds of jobs.

Vattenfall, the developer of two of the world’s largest offshore wind farms off the Norfolk coast, is in discussion with Peel Ports to locate its operations base for the Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas projects at Great Yarmouth.

It estimates the investment could secure up to 150 skilled wind farm technician jobs.

Vattenfall and port owner Peel Ports recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to continue negotiations on an exclusive basis.

Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s project manager for Norfolk Vanguard, said: “We have found Peel Ports to be immensely helpful since we launched Norfolk Vanguard in 2016 and so we’re confident we will secure the right location at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth.

“That’s why we have cemented that relationship by agreeing an MoU last week.

“If we get permission to build both Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas, our investment can only do good for the region and continue to put Great Yarmouth at the centre of one of the UK’s fastest growing industries.”

Richard Goffin, port director of Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, said: “Since falling under the ownership of Peel Ports Group in 2015 we have made a number of investments to maximise its potential as one of our strategic assets.

“As well as its existing capabilities in bulk handling and storage, the port is ideally located for decommissioning and other diversified activities.

“Vattenfall’s ambitions dovetail perfectly with our own vision for commercial ventures at the port, with the aim of bringing new jobs and business opportunities to the area.”

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